Adolescent Mental Health Overview Many adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with their normal development and daily life activities. Some mental health problems are mild, while others are more severe. Some mental health problems last for only short periods of time, while others, potentially, last a lifetime. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reports the following: Research studies have reported that up to about 5 percent of...

Acne in Children What is acne? Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. With acne, the sebaceous glands are clogged, which leads to pimples and cysts. Acne is very common - nearly 80 percent of individuals in the US between 11 and 30 years old will be affected by this condition at some point. Acne most often begins in puberty. During puberty, the male sex hormones (androgens) increase in both boys and girls, causing the sebaceous glands to become more active - resulting in increase...

Adjustment Disorders What is an adjustment disorder? An adjustment disorder is defined as an emotional or behavioral reaction to an identifiable stressful event or change in a person's life that is considered maladaptive or somehow not an expected healthy response to the event or change. The reaction must occur within three months of the identified stressful event or change happening. The identifiable stressful event or change in the life of a child or adolescent may be a family move, parental divorce o...

Adolescent Growth and Development As your adolescent grows and develops from childhood into adulthood, there are many considerations regarding his/her growth and maturation. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Normal Growth Female Physical Development Male Physical Development

Amenorrhea in Teens What is amenorrhea? Amenorrhea is a menstrual condition characterized by absent menstrual periods for more than three monthly menstrual cycles. Amenorrhea may be classified as primary or secondary. primary amenorrhea - from the beginning and usually lifelong; menstruation never begins at puberty. secondary amenorrhea - due to some physical cause and usually of later onset; a condition in which menstrual periods which were at one time normal and regular become increasing abnormal and ...

Anatomy of the Female Pelvic Area Click Image to Enlarge endometrium - the lining of the uterus. uterus - also called the womb, the uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum. ovaries - two female reproductive organs located in the pelvis. fallopian tubes - carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. cervix - the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) located between the bladder and the rectum. The cervix forms a canal that opens into...

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescents What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms usually occur together; however, one may occur without the other(s). The symptoms of hyperactivity, when present, are almost always apparent by the age of 7 and may be apparent in very...

Behavior Disorders Behavior disorders (sometimes referred to as disruptive behavior disorders) are the most common reasons children are referred for mental health evaluations and treatment. All disruptive behavior is not the same. Behavior disorders include mental health problems with a focus on behaviors that both identify emotional problems and create interpersonal and social problems for children and adolescents in the course of their development. The most common behavior disorder in children is atte...

Bicycle / In-Line Skating / Skateboarding Safety - Injury Statistics and Incidence Rates The following statistics are the latest available from the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Injury and death rates: More than 3.5 million children 14 and under suffer medically treated sports injuries each year. Nearly 50 percent of children 14 and under hospitalized for bicycle-related injuries are diagnosed with a ...

Bicycle / In-Line Skating / Skateboarding Safety -Identifying High-Risk Situations Most crashes involving children and adolescents on bicycles, in-line skates, or skateboards occur because the child or adolescents breaks a traffic rule. The majority of bicycle-related fatal crashes involve collision with a motor vehicle. Bicycles: Common errors made when riding bicycles include the following: riding into the street without stopping running stop signs turning left or swerving into traffic that is coming ...

Breast Conditions Potential breast conditions in young women: A young woman may experience a number of changes in her breasts during puberty and adolescence as she becomes an adult. Some breast changes or conditions are related to her menstrual cycle, while others may occur at any time. While most breast conditions are benign (non-cancerous), it is important for young women to be aware of proper breast health, so that they may detect any problems. Some of the breast conditions young women may experience...

Breast Self-Examination What is a breast self-examination (BSE)? Breast self-examination is a procedure performed by an individual to physically and visually examine herself for any changes in the breasts and underarm areas of the body. It has not been shown that BSE alone can accurately determine the presence of breast cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has found evidence that suggests BSEs do not lower the risk for death from breast cancer. Therefore, if you choose to do BSE, it should no...

Bulimia Nervosa in Adolescents What is bulimia nervosa? Bulimia nervosa, usually referred to as bulimia, is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing) and usually followed by purging (self-induced vomiting), misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications that cause increased production of urine, fasting, or excessive exercise to control weight. Bingeing, in this situation, is defined as eating much larger amounts of food than would normally be consumed within a short period of time (usually ...

Care of the Uncircumcised Penis The penis, the outer reproductive organ of the male, consists of two parts - the shaft and the glans. The glans is the tip of the penis, while the shaft is the main part of the penis. All boys are born with a foreskin, or a covering over the tip of the penis. Some boys are circumcised, which means that this covering of skin is removed. Other boys are not circumcised and may have skin that covers the tip of the penis. The decision to circumcise a baby boy may depend on man...

Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides Facts about cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance that can be found in all parts of your adolescent's body. It aids in the production of cell membranes, some hormones, and vitamin D. The cholesterol in blood comes from two sources: the foods your adolescent eats and his/her liver. However, your child's liver makes all of the cholesterol your adolescent's body needs. Cholesterol and other fats are transported through the blood stream in the form o...

Cognitive Development What is cognitive development? Cognitive development refers to the development of the ability to think and reason. Children (6 to 12 years old) develop the ability to think in concrete ways (concrete operations) such as how to combine (addition), separate (subtract or divide), order (alphabetize and sort), and transform (change things such as 5 pennies = 1 nickel) objects and actions. They are called concrete because they are performed in the presence of the objects and events bein...

Determining Body Mass Index What is body mass index? Determining how much your adolescent should weigh is not a simple matter of looking at an insurance height-weight chart, but includes considering the amount of bone, muscle, and fat in his/her body's composition. The amount of fat is the critical measurement. A good indicator of how much fat your adolescent carries is the Body Mass Index (BMI). Although it is not a perfect measure, it gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your adolescent's...

Diabetes What is diabetes? Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by a failure to secrete enough insulin, or, in some cases, the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Because insulin is needed by the body to convert glucose into energy, these failures result in abnormally high levels of glucose accumulating in the blood. Diabetes may be a result of other conditions such as genetic syndromes, chemicals, drugs, malnutrition, infections, viruses, or other illnesses. Th...

Dysmenorrhea in Adolescents What is dysmenorrhea? Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain associated with menstruation. Dysmenorrhea may be classified as primary or secondary. primary dysmenorrhea - from the beginning and usually lifelong; severe and frequent menstrual cramping caused by severe and abnormal uterine contractions. secondary dysmenorrhea - due to some physical cause and usually of later onset; painful menstrual periods caused by ...

Dysthymia in Children What is dysthymia? Dysthymia, also known as dysthymic disorder, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that often resembles a less severe, yet more chronic form of major (clinical) depression. However, persons with dysthymia may also experience major depressive episodes at times. Depression is a mood disorder that involves a child's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns, and is not the same as b...

Eating Disorders in Children The term eating disorders refers to a variety of disorders. The common feature of all the eating disorders is abnormal eating behaviors. Eating disorders are serious mental health problems and can be life threatening. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are common eating disorders of adolescents and young adults. Obesity may also be included as an eating disorder and can affect all ages including children and adolescents. There are many different types of eating disorders t...

Exercise and Adolescents Facts about children and exercise: Exercise is an important part of keeping adolescents healthy. Encouraging healthy lifestyles in children and adolescents is important for when they grow older. Lifestyles that are learned in childhood are more likely to stay with the child into adulthood. Changes in lifestyle are harder to make the older the person becomes. The best way to promote healthy lifestyles is for the whole family to become involved. Establishing an exercise plan: A da...

Eye Care / Avoiding Eye Injuries How to prevent eye injuries: Eye injuries affect more than 2.5 million people every year, yet 90 percent of these injuries are preventable with the use of appropriate safety eyewear. Consider these reminders from Prevent Blindness America and discuss these with your adolescent: At home or outside: Household products cause more than 125,000 serious eye injuries each year. Wash your hands after using household chemicals. Wear chemical safety goggles when using hazardous so...

Female Physical Development As a female matures from a young girl into a woman, there are many important things to consider regarding her health and development. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Anatomy of the Breasts Normal Breast Development Anatomy of the Female Pelvic Area Menstrual Cycle: An Overview Puberty: Adolescent Female

Firearm Safety and Adolescents Firearms and adolescence: Adolescents and firearms can be a volatile mix. Driven by curiosity and impulse, access to firearms can have tragic results among the adolescent population. Unintentional shootings account for nearly 20 percent of all firearm-related fatalities among children ages 14 and under. Statistics about firearms and adolescents: Consider the following statistics regarding adolescents and firearms: Most unintentional firearm-related deaths among children oc...

Gynecological and Menstrual Conditions Adolescence is a time of many changes. As girls grow into young women and become physically and sexually mature, they need additional care from physicians (adolescent medicine physicians and/or obstetricians/gynecologists) trained to address these issues. This initial visit and yearly visits thereafter are geared towards promoting good health, screening for problems in adolescent girls, and helping open the lines of communication about healthcare between the physic...

Healthy Lifestyles Healthy lifestyles include healthy eating and exercise. Encouraging healthy lifestyles in children is important as they prepare for adolescence and adulthood. Lifestyles that are learned in childhood are more likely to stay with the child into adulthood. Listed in the directory below you will find additional information regarding helping your adolescent make healthy lifestyle choices, for which we have provided a brief overview. Healthy Eating During Adolescence Weight Management Dete...

Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke) What are heat-related illnesses? Exposure to abnormal or prolonged amounts of heat and humidity without relief or adequate fluid intake can cause various types of heat-related illness. Children and adolescents adjust more slowly than adults do to changes in environmental heat. They also produce more heat with activity than adults, and sweat less. Sweating is one of the body's normal cooling mechanisms. Children and adolescents often do n...

High Blood Pressure What is blood pressure? Blood pressure, measured with a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope by a nurse or other healthcare provider, is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. Two numbers are recorded when measuring blood pressure. The higher number, or systolic pressure , refers to the highest pressure inside the artery. It occurs when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the body. The lower number, or diastolic pressure , refers to the lowest pressure inside th...

Topic Index Adolescent Growth and Development Cognitive Development Relationship Development Adolescent Health Problems and Injuries Adolescent Mental Health Healthy Lifestyles Safety and Injury Prevention Glossary Adolescence is a transition period between childhood and adulthood. It is a stressful developmental period filled with major changes in physical maturity and sexuality, cognitive processes (ways of thinking and thought content), emotional feelings, and relationships with others. Addressing th...

Infectious Mononucleosis in Adolescents What is infectious mononucleosis? Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mononucleosis, "mono," or glandular fever, is characterized by swollen lymph glands and chronic fatigue. What causes infectious mononucleosis? Infectious mononucleosis is either caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or the cytomegalovirus, both of which are members of the herpes simplex virus family. Consider the following statistics: In the US, almost 95 percent of adults between 35 and 40...

Male Physical Development As a male matures from a young boy into a man, there are many important things to consider regarding his health and development. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Overview of the Male Anatomy Puberty: Adolescent Male Physical Examination: Adolescent Male Care of the Uncircumcised Penis

Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents What is manic depression? Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs, and is a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country. Manic depression is characterized by periodic episodes of extreme elation, happiness, elevated mood, or irritability (also called mania) countered by periodic, classic major d...

Menstrual Disorders There are many menstrual conditions that affect adolescent females and require the clinical care of a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Amenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents There are many different mood disorders affecting children and adolescents that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Overview of Mood Disorders Major Depression Dysthymia Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder Teen Suicide

Normal Breast Development What is normal breast development? Breast development is a vital part of puberty in the human female. Unlike other mammals, however, human females are the only ones who develop full breasts long before they are needed to nurse their offspring. Breast development occurs in distinct stages, first before birth, and again at puberty and during the childbearing years. Changes also occur to the breasts during menstruation and when a woman reaches menopause. When does breast developme...

Normal Growth What is considered a normal growth rate? Growth not only involves length and weight of a body, but also includes internal growth and development. A child's brain will grow the most during the first five years of life, reaching 90 percent of its final size. Growth also affects different parts of the body at different rates; the head reaches almost its entire size by age 1. Throughout childhood, a child's body becomes more proportional to other parts of his/her body. Growth is complete betwe...

Obesity in Adolescents What is obesity? Overweight and obesity together represent the second leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can inflict substantial harm to a person's health. Overweight and obesity are not the same; rather, they are different points on a continuum of weight ranging from being underweight to being morbidly obese. The percentage of people who fit into these two categories, overweight and obese, is determined by body mass...

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an unreasonable thought, fear, or worry that he/she tries to manage by performing a ritual activity to reduce the anxiety. Frequently occurring disturbing thoughts or images are called obsessions, and the repeated rituals performed to try to prevent or dispel them are called compulsions. During the normal growth and development of children and adolescents,...

Online Resources - Adolescent Medicine This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your adolescent's physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your adolescent's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This pa...

Oral Health There are many different oral and dental conditions that affect adolescents and require the clinical care of a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Orthodontics and Braces Wisdom Teeth Extraction Periodontal Disease

Orthopedic Problems There are many different orthopedic problems that can affect adolescents and require the clinical care of a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Osgood-Schlatter Disease Scoliosis Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Osgood-Schlatter Disease What is Osgood-Schlatter disease? Osgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse condition or injury of the knee that causes pain and swelling below the knee area over the shin bone. What causes Osgood-Schlatter disease? Osgood-Schlatter disease is characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon and surrounding soft tissues. It is caused by the constant pulling of the patellar tendon on the area below the knee where the tendon attaches. Click Image to Enlarge Who is affected by Osg...

Overview of Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents What are mood disorders? A category of mental health problems that includes all types of depression and bipolar disorder, mood disorders are sometimes called affective disorders. During the 1980s, mental health professionals began to recognize symptoms of mood disorders in children and adolescents, as well as adults. However, children and adolescents do not necessarily experience or exhibit the same symptoms as adults. It is more difficult to diagno...

Pap Test for Adolescents What is a Pap test? A Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear) is a way to examine cells collected from the cervix, or the "mouth" of the womb (located at the top of the vagina), for the presence of: infection inflammation abnormal cells cancer Why is a Pap test suggested for females? A Pap test, along with a pelvic examination, is an important part of a female's routine health care because it may detect abnormalities that can lead to invasive cancer. Most invasive cancers of the...

Phobias in Children and Adolescents What is a phobia? A phobia is an identifiable and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable and is triggered by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation. Children and adolescents with one or more phobias consistently experience anxiety when exposed to the specific object or situation. Common phobias include fear of animals, blood, heights, closed spaces, or flying. In children and adolescents, the identified fear must last at least six mo...

Physical Examination: Adolescent Male What happens during a physical examination? A physical examination is an important aspect of staying healthy. Physicals should be performed yearly and often for adolescents before entrance into sports. The physician will examine the eyes, ears, nose, throat, mouth, abdomen, back, legs, arms, and thyroid gland. In addition, the physician will complete an assessment of growth and evaluate pubertal changes. Screening for hypertension, scoliosis, and obesity may be perf...

Puberty: Adolescent Female How much will my adolescent grow? The teenage years are also called adolescence. During this time, the teenager will see the greatest amount of growth in height and weight. Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. An adolescent may grow several inches in several months followed by a period of very slow growth, then have another growth spurt. Changes with puberty may occur gradually or several signs may become visible at the same time. There is a great amoun...

Puberty: Adolescent Male How much will my adolescent grow? The teenage years are also called adolescence. During this time, the teenager will see the greatest amount of growth in height and weight. Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. An adolescent may grow several inches in several months followed by a period of very slow growth, then have another growth spurt. Changes with puberty may occur gradually or several signs may become visible at the same time. There is a great amount ...

Recognizing Urologic or Gynecologic Problems Signs and symptoms that may require medical attention: There are many different gynecological problems that could occur during adolescence. Mothers should be sure to talk with their daughters about all of the normal changes that will be occurring in the body during this time of physical maturation and development, so that any abnormal changes can be examined right away. Be sure to discuss the following: Vaginal bleeding and discharge are a normal part of your...

Relationship Development Relationship development that occurs during adolescence: Changes in adolescent physical and cognitive development are also accompanied by major changes in an adolescent's relationships with others - including family members and friends. Family relationships are often reorganized with the onset of puberty, the desire for increased autonomy, and increased emotional distance between teens and their parents. Adolescent attention often shifts to a more intense focus on social interac...

Safer Sex Guidelines for Adolescents What is "safe" sex? The only safe sex is no sex, according to most healthcare providers. Abstinence may be the only true form of "safe" sex, as all forms of sexual contact carry some risk. However, certain precautions and safe behaviors can minimize a person's risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. As a parent, you can teach your child about safer sex before he/she becomes sexually active. Talking to your teen about safe sex: The American Academy of Pedi...

Safety and Injury Prevention for Teens Unintentional injury sends thousands of children and adolescents seeking emergency medical care each day. However, unintentional injuries are preventable. With proper education, improvements to the environment, enforcement of certain safety legislation and regulations, and community involvement, many injuries can be prevented. In fact, up to 90 percent of unintentional injuries can be prevented. Listed in the directory below you will find some additional informatio...

Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Adolescents What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 19 million new cases occur annually in the US. Fifty percent of the new infections occur in people between the age range of 15 to 24 years. Protecting your adolescent from STDs: The best way to prevent your son or daughter from contracting an STD is to...

Smoking According to the American Heart Association (AHA), diseases caused by smoking kill more than 440,000 people in the United States each year; of that number, more than 135,000 deaths are cardiovascular related. Even with anti-smoking campaigns and medical disclaimers in place, many people continue to smoke or start smoking every year. According to the American Cancer Society, 90 percent of new smokers are children and teenagers, in many cases, replacing the smokers who quit or died prematurely fro...